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Krystal, Salsarita’s, Smokey Bones name new executivesKrystal, Salsarita’s, Smokey Bones name new executives

The operators announced high-level executive moves this week

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 16, 2013

1 Min Read
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The Krystal Co., Salsarita’s and Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill announced high-level executive changes this week.

Salsarita’s, the 80-unit Charlotte, N.C.-based Mexican cantina chain, said Larry Reinstein, president and chief operating officer since 2011, would step down on Oct. 1. Phil Friedman, who acquired the chain in June 2011 and is chairman and chief executive of parent Salsarita’s Holdings LLC, would assume Reinstein’s duties.

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The Krystal Co., based in Atlanta, said it had named Gary Clough chief operating officer of the 350-unit burger chain. Clough most recently was senior vice president of Southern regional operations for Arby’s. He has also worked with Domino’s and Boston Chicken, now known as Boston Market. The company said Clough will be responsible for all corporate unit operations.

Smokey Bones, based in Orlando, Fla., named Robin Muller senior vice president of operations of the 65-unit casual-dining chain. Muller most recently held senior operations posts at California Pizza Kitchen and Romano’s Macaroni Grill. She began her restaurant career with Pizza Hut.

Tom Porfiris, previously Smokey Bones’ director of operations, was promoted to senior director of operations and reports to Muller.

This story has been revised to reflect the following correction:

Correction: Oct. 17, 2013  A previous version of this story misstated the location of The Krystal Co.'s headquarters. The company is based in Atlanta.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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